Political Science 2026

Degree Options To apply to Political Science, students must successfully complete a Social Sciences Level I program, including Political Science 1AA3 or 1AB3.

Honours Political Science B.A. Grade Point Average of 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in one of POL SCI 1AA3 or 1AB3.

Political Science is crucial for solving the world’s most complex social problems faced by people, firms and governments. Effective solutions require analyzing legal systems, political power and personal motivations, both domestically and globally. Our program considers the key issues that will impact the future of Canada and other countries around the globe.

Honours Political Science B.A. with Co-op Grade Point Average of 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in one of POL SCI 1AA3 or 1AB3.

Enrollment is limited.

Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies B.A. Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement but requires, as a minimum, completion on any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C) and a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3.

Honours Political Science Specialization in Global Citizenship B.A. Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point average of at least a 5.0 including a grade of C or greater in POLSCI 1AB3.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete POLSCI 1AA3 and GLOBALZN 1A03 in Level I. Combined Honours B.A. in Political Science and another subject Grade Point Average of 5.0 (C) including a grade of at least 5.0 (C) in one of POL SCI 1AA3 or 1AB3.

Satisfaction of admission requirements for the Honours program in the other B.A. subject.

Minors Political Science Justice, Law & Order Public Leadership

politicalscience.mcmaster.ca

Your first year with interest in

Political Science

Level I Courses Political Science 1AA3: Government, Politics and Power Explore political ideals and institutions and ask yourself; what does politics look like in Canada?

Concepts explored include: democracy, equality, patriarchy and more. We ask questions about how these concepts impact and influence Canadian institutions. Think about how one can organize a society based off these ideals.

Political Science 1AB3: Politics and Power in a Globalizing World Discover the political and economic structures shaping our globalizing world. We think about war, peace, terrorism, human rights issues and more on a global scale. Why are some countries so vastly different from each other and how does that affect the world and its people?

Dual Program – Honours Political Science (University of Birmingham LLB Option) Earn 2 degrees: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science (McMaster) + Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (University of Birmingham) Program structure: Years 1–2: Study at McMaster; top 30 students (by GPA) selected for the joint degree.

Years 3–5: Study Law at University of Birmingham (UK); housing guaranteed in first year abroad.

Year 6: Return to McMaster to complete final BA courses and prepare for NCA (Canadian accreditation).

Career pathways: Legal practice in Canada (after accreditation) International law firms, NGOs, or government Policy, advocacy, consulting, or grad studies

Through Careers & Experiential Education programs, you can participate in paid internships, a tuition-free career planning course, academic placements and job shadowing Students can apply to participate in a co-op program option. Each program option involves full-time “work terms” added into the structure of an academic program. Get hands on experience within your field of interest Work with political parties, MPs, MPPs, city councillors or non-governmental organizations in POLSCI 3PR3 Earn academic credit while working in the field of Political Science in POLSCI 3WP3

Certified International Experience (CIE) Students enrolled in the Public Law & Judicial Studies and Global Citizenship Specializations can apply to spend one or two semesters at one of our three partner universities in the UK: University of Birmingham, University of Glasgow, or University of Liverpool.

Beyond First Year Choose from a variety of courses, such as: The Causes of War Gender and Politics Democratization and Human Rights International Politics Death and Violence Cosmopolitanism Judicial Studies Advanced Issues in Global Security Indigenous Human Rights Genocide: Sociological and Political Perspectives Ethnicity and Multiculturalism Global Political Economy

Careers & Experiential Education

“Studying Political Science with a specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies at McMaster has been pivotal in my academic development, equipping me with the necessary skills to navigate complex political challenges. Through diverse course offerings and engaging discussions, the program has deepened my passion for (the intersectionality of) law and politics and solidified my interest to pursue law school.”

- Vanessa G. (Political Science Student)

Potential Careers Community Activist Diplomat Human Rights Advocate International Analyst Journalist Lawyer Policy Specialist Political Consultant Political Leader Public Servant